Do Wisdom Teeth Have to Be Removed?
by Zero Seven Dental Practice.
Are wisdom teeth always a pain? Is the only solution to have them professionally removed? Yes and no. In this blog, we aim to educate readers about the necessity of wisdom tooth removal, highlighting its benefits and when it may not be necessary. We provide detailed information about the procedure, the problems it solves, and the long-term advantages. By the end, you’ll understand when wisdom tooth removal is necessary and when it may not be required.
Exploring the Need for Wisdom Tooth Removal
Contrary to popular belief, not all wisdom teeth require extraction. The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on various factors, such as alignment, eruption pattern, available space in the mouth, and potential impact on oral health. Let’s delve into these factors to help you understand when extraction is recommended.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can become impacted when they do not have enough space to fully emerge or grow in the correct position. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, infections, and other oral health issues.
Crowding and Misalignment
The presence of wisdom teeth can contribute to overcrowding and misalignment of surrounding teeth. Removing them can prevent potential shifting or misalignment.
Increased Risk of Dental Issues
Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly, often despite the patient’s best efforts. This increases the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and infections associated with wisdom teeth.
Proactive Approach
Removing wisdom teeth proactively, before they cause problems, can help prevent future oral health complications and save you from potential pain and discomfort.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often pose problems due to their late eruption and limited space in the mouth. Removal is necessary to maintain a healthy smile and prevent complications such as pain, infections, gum disease, and tooth decay.
The Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal
Alleviate Discomfort
One of the primary benefits of wisdom tooth removal is the alleviation of discomfort. Wisdom teeth can cause pain due to various reasons such as impaction, overcrowding, or pressure on neighbouring teeth.
By extracting these problematic wisdom teeth, you can find relief from the pain and discomfort they cause, allowing you to enjoy a pain-free and comfortable oral environment.
Prevent Dental Complications
Removing problematic wisdom teeth can prevent potential dental issues that may arise in the future. Wisdom teeth are notorious for causing problems like cavities, gum infections, and damage to nearby teeth. By proactively removing these teeth, you eliminate the risk of such complications, ensuring the long-term health and well-being of your oral cavity.
Enhanced Oral Hygiene
Wisdom teeth, located at the back of the mouth, are often challenging to clean properly. Their positioning makes it difficult to reach them with a toothbrush and floss, leading to a higher risk of plaque build-up and gum disease.
By extracting wisdom teeth, you can improve your oral hygiene routine significantly. With easier access to your remaining teeth, you can effectively clean and maintain proper oral hygiene, reducing the chances of plaque accumulation, gum inflammation, and related oral health complications.
Preserve Alignment
Wisdom teeth have a notorious reputation for causing crowding and misalignment of the existing teeth. As they try to emerge and find space in the mouth, they can push against adjacent teeth, disrupting their alignment.
Removing these wisdom teeth preserves the alignment of your existing teeth and prevents the development of overcrowding or shifting. This is particularly important if you have undergone orthodontic treatment to achieve a straight smile. Wisdom tooth removal ensures that the results of your orthodontic treatment are maintained and that your teeth remain properly aligned.
Avoid Potential Jaw Problems
In some cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to more serious problems affecting the jawbone.
Some common symptoms include:
- Pain and discomfort: Impacted wisdom teeth can be painful, especially when they try to emerge through the gums or when they put pressure on neighbouring teeth.
- Infection: When wisdom teeth partially emerge through the gums, it creates a space where bacteria can enter and cause infection. This condition is known as pericoronitis and can lead to pain, swelling, difficulty in opening the mouth, and bad breath.
- Cysts and tumours: In rare cases, impacted wisdom teeth can lead to the development of cysts or benign tumours. These growths can cause damage to the jawbone, nearby teeth, and nerves.
- Damage to adjacent teeth: Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, leading to tooth decay, damage to the roots, and an increased risk of gum disease.
- Sinus problems: Impacted upper wisdom teeth can sometimes grow towards the sinus cavities, potentially causing sinus pain, pressure, and congestion.
By removing these impacted teeth, you eliminate the risk of such complications, ensuring the health and stability of your jawbone.
When Wisdom Teeth Do Not Need to Be Removed
In some situations, wisdom teeth may not require removal. For example:
- If the wisdom teeth have fully erupted and are properly aligned.
- If there is enough space in the mouth to accommodate the wisdom teeth without causing issues.
- If the wisdom teeth can be easily cleaned and maintained.
In such cases, alternative treatments, such as regular monitoring or orthodontic adjustments, may be more appropriate.
How to Begin Wisdom Tooth Removal Treatment
If you suspect that your wisdom teeth may need to be removed, follow these steps to start your treatment –
- Consultation: Schedule an initial consultation with our experienced dental professionals to assess your specific situation and discuss your concerns.
- Evaluation: Undergo a comprehensive examination, including X-rays, to determine the position and condition of your wisdom teeth.
- Personalised Treatment Plan: Based on the evaluation, our experts will create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns.
To learn more about the benefits of wisdom tooth removal, our procedures, and our expert specialists, get in touch with Zero Seven Dental Practice today. We are here to answer all your questions and guide you through the process of starting your wisdom tooth removal treatment.
Remember, wisdom tooth removal is a personalised decision based on your individual oral health needs. Consult with our professionals to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
